Toledo City Council considers $5,000 grants for Arlington Avenue businesses
Proposed ordinance would aid privately owned businesses affected by long-term construction
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Toledo City Council is considering an ordinance that would give $5,000 to eligible privately owned businesses on Arlington Avenue between South Detroit Ave. and Spencer St. The businesses have been affected by long-term construction on the road.
Council members are calling the proposal the “Arlington Business Access Relief Grant.” The money could be available as early as Dec. 15, 2026.
Sinkhole led to construction
A break in a sewer line 45 feet below ground caused a sinkhole on Arlington Avenue back in October 2024. Construction to fix isn’t expected to be finished until 2028.
“It made it really hard for our customers to get to the facility. And when that happens, you’re going to see a decline in sales,” Skipper said.
Skipper said he has documented a $30,000 loss since before construction started and a 17% drop in sales throughout the construction process.
“There’s just so many parts. There’s so many expenses. There’s property taxes, sales taxes, and unemployment taxes, taxes on top of taxes, on side of taxes. And then just the inventory costs. There’s always something breaking down that needs fixed,” Skipper said.
Council members bring legislation forward
Council members Theresa Gadus and Adam Martinez are the ones who brought the legislation forward Tuesday. Skipper said he spoke with Gadus a few months ago about getting financial relief.
“This is our opportunity to show business owners of Arlington Avenue that Toledo values the people who keep Toledo going,” Gadus said.
“When a crisis strikes a corridor, it doesn’t disrupt traffic. It disrupts our livelihoods of families and the daily routines that hold a community together,” Gadus said.
Skipper said he wants the city to consider small businesses affected by major construction projects.
“This is definitely a step in the right direction,” Skipper said.
Eligibility for a business to receive the grant
According to the legislation’s text, Arlington Ave. businesses eligible for the grant must be privately owned, registered in Ohio, a permanent customer facing storefront, in operation since Jan. 1, 2026, maintain regular hours, and in good standing with government entities.
Budget and vote
Councilman Mac Driscoll said during Tuesday’s meeting that room should be made in the budget in the future for instances like this so council members are not adjusting the budget on the fly.
Council is expected to vote Tuesday, Nov. 17, on moving forward with the grant.
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